Housing Headlines

HAVERHILL --- As a century-old paperboard mill prepares to close this fall, the city is wondering what the future will be for this and four other former commercial sites along the Merrimack River.

DANVERS --- State and local officials gathered last month to celebrate the transformation of the former Danvers State Hospital into 433 rental apartments. Developed by Avalon Bay at a cost of $80 million, the project is 90 percent occupied, the story said.

DORCHESTER --- The Boston Redevelopment Authority is reviewing a non-profit's plan to redevelop a vacant lot near Geneva Avenue and Fields Corner into a 29-unit mixed-use development with 3,700-square feet of commercial space. Viet-AID, which has developed other housing in the area, hopes to build a four-story building with a pair of three-bedroom units suitable for families along with a slew of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, all rental, and all classified as affordable.

WEYMOUTH --- The latest update regarding the development of the former South Weymouth Naval Air base includes news that the developer has switched marketing firms in hopes of attracting its first commercial tenant.The 1,400-acre site, which is being developed by LNR Property Corp., is zoned to include as much as two million square feet of commercial development on 75 acres. Plans also call for up to 2,855 homes. In April, Gov. Deval Patrick backed a $42 million loan to help fund a parkway that will provide needed infrastructure for the site.

HOLLISTON --- The state's Housing Appeals Committee has begun its hearing on whether to uphold or overturn the town's 2006 denial of a 200-unit Ch. 40B housing project planned for contaminated land known as the former Bird property. The 52-acre site' was used as an illegal dump, tire yard and mink farm. Developer Michael Norton reached a settlement with the state earlier this year to pay for $1.25 million in past cleanup work and to finish cleaning it up if he goes ahead with plans to develop the land.

PROVINCETOWN --- Once again, Cape Cod affordable housing leader Bob Murray will be walking to raise funds for homelessness. The director of the Falmouth Housing Authority will start his annual 107-mile walk from Provincetown to Falmouth on July 14. Last year, Murray raised $232,000. This year, he hopes to raise $250,000.